Northeast Pest Control

Inbreeding blamed for resurgence of Bed Bugs

A study of bedbug genetics presented on Tuesday at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in Philadelphia may have came up with the reason why bed bugs have  once again become an epidemic. New York City alone spends $40 million a year on bed bug control and small towns and cities throughout the country are experiencing infestations. The pest that had basically disappeared in recent years have made a comeback and seem to be stronger than ever with their multiplying population and resistance to insecticides.

“A team of entomologists led by Coby Schal and Ed Vargo of North Carolina State University studied the genes of bedbugs infesting three multistory apartment buildings in North Carolina and New Jersey and found very low genetic diversity, meaning most of them were very close relatives. They were so close in fact that the team suspects it may have taken just one or two founder insects to start an entire infestation.”

The findings represent the necessity to deal with the bed bugs as soon as they are detected because they can quickly turn into an infestation.

If you suspect bed bugs call NEPC or check out our Bed Bug Scent Detection K9’s at http://nebedbugk9.com

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/07/inbreeding-reason-for-bedbug-spread-study-says/#ixzz1fsTKapBU

‘Tis the Season…

It’s that time of the year when we will stuff our cars full of presents and kids to visit relative for holiday festivities. Whether you are staying at Grandma’s, a luxury hotel, or a quant motel, make sure the only things you will be bringing home with you are your new presents and great memories. Bed bugs love traveling and what better time to do it than during the chaotic holiday season.

Follow these simple steps to ensure bed bugs aren’t hitching a ride with you:

• Be sure to have a small flashlight to assist in inspection.
• Peel back the covers and check the bed sheets and mattress, running your fingers along the seams. Also make sure to check the mattress tag, this is a common hiding place.
• Check the head board, bedside table, drawers, and walls for bed bugs or signs of bed bugs including tiny, black specs that resemble ground black pepper. If you see a powdery substance in drawers or on headboards, it is likely that this area has previously been treated for bed bugs.
• If you suspect bed bugs in a hotel, immediately notify hotel management and either ask for a new room and conduct the same inspection or find a new hotel. Do not place luggage in the hotel room until you have inspected the room. If hanging clothes, hang them on shower rack instead of closet rack where bed bugs are more likely to hide. Keep luggage off of the ground and away from typical bed bug infested areas like closets, bedding, and furniture. Keep zippers closed
• Hard shelled luggage is much less appealing to beg bugs than typical fabric luggage. Bring plastic bags with you on your stay and be sure to put all clothing in plastic bags upon departure to ensure bed bugs will not infest clothing, vehicle, and eventually your bedroom.
• Upon arrival home, be sure to wash and dry all of your clothing to kill any live bedbugs before putting clothing away.
• Do an inspection of the luggage prior to bringing it inside, inspect around zippers and seams for eggs, live bugs, or tiny black spots.

If you suspect you may have brought an unpleasant present home with you, call Northeast Pest Control to eradicate the problem. You can find more information about bed bugs and NEPC at http://nebedbugk9.com

As the cold weather is quickly approaching, rodents and nuisance wildlife will be seeking refuge in a warm place. Your home is a perfect place for these pests to stay warm and maintain a food and water source.

“Rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States every winter,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “But with many places already experiencing cold weather conditions, it is important to be proactive and vigilant in preventing these pests from becoming unwelcome houseguests.”

Pests can cause serious damage to your property and potentially cause health problems for you and your children. Rodents are experts at finding ways into homes and can quickly become a problem for the homeowner. The accumulation of feces from mice and rats can spread bacteria and contaminate food sources. These rodent droppings are known to trigger allergies and cause diseases including Hantavirus and Salmonella. Rodent allergens have also been linked to asthma in children and young adults. In addition to health risks, rodents can chew through wallboards, cardboard, wood and even electrical wiring, increasing the risk of a house fire.

Follow these steps to prevent these pests from making a home out of yours!

• Seal off all voids around pipes coming into your home from the outside
• Keep branches and other plants cut back from the house.
• Keep your garages and sheds uncluttered.
• Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around basement foundation and windows.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground.
• Install screens over chimney vents and openings.
• Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly
• Inspect wires, insulation and walls for any signs of gnaw marks.

If you find rodent feces, hear scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings, or observe any other signs of infestation contact a qualified pest professional, such as Northeast Pest Control (link to site) to solve your problem.